Best Time to Visit Cambodia

About Cambodia

Cambodia brings to mind Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Comprising more than a thousand buildings, Angkor Wat is a cultural structure that tells the history of Cambodia and the Hindu religion.

You can also visit the famous Mekong River and its banks area. The floating market, the beautiful forest surrounding the river, the temples, and the community around it make the river one of the most fascinating and beloved tourist spots. Then there is the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, where you can see the historical Khrem architecture with a hint of French style. The city welcomes you with a thriving marketplace, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals.

Indians visiting Cambodia must have a valid visa. Other facts you might be curious about are also listed below.

Must Know Before Travelling To Cambodia

In the first six months of 2024, 75,286 Indians visited Cambodia, as reported by the Economic Times. The number suggests that Cambodia is one of the places Indians love to go to, and if you are among them, you may need this information:

1. Visa Requirement

   Any Indian citizen must have a visa to enter Cambodia. For visiting Cambodia for a short term, you can get two types of visa: a Type T(Tourist) Visa and a Type E(Business) Visa, which will last for 30 days.

2. Currency Information

   Cambodian Riel(KHR) is Cambodia's official currency. You can conveniently use a traveller's cheque or a credit card in significant cities. But, if your targeted areas are remote places, it is better to carry cash in Reil.

3. Language

   Khmer is Cambodia's official language and the country's most spoken language. However, many people can speak English in urban and rural areas. English is used as a common language between different communities in Cambodia.

4. Weather Condition

   Cambodia's weather is tropical, with two distinct seasons. A rainy season from May to October ushers a cloudy and moisture-filled climate. The dry season from November to April sees less rainfall. The average weather condition in Cambodia ranges between 22℃-35℃. Cambodia's temperature is warm all year round.

5. Network Issues

   You can always use your existing SIM card and set it to roaming, but this can be expensive. So, consider buying local SIM cards like Cellcard, which have coverage nationwide. You can buy SIM cards when you land at airports like Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport.

6. Pre-Booking

   Since Cambodia is a popular tourist destination, it is always recommended that you pre-book. You can reserve lodging, popular tourist spots, or any excursion to enjoy your stay without stress.

7. Events You Cannot Miss

   Some renowned events and festivals of Cambodia that you can enjoy include Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) in November. Pchum Ben is a 15-day celebration held in October to honour deceased ancestors. The Angkor Festival, a celebration of artists, usually occurs in December.

Best Months to Visit Top Cambodia Cities

Every town in Cambodia offers distinct attractions, including beautiful beaches, rivers, stunning temples, religious heritage, and modern cities with unique features. Let's discuss the best month to visit Cambodia's different cities.

High Season for Cambodia

You can visit Cambodia in any season and enjoy your visit based on your preference. But generally, the best season to visit Cambodia is in the dry season, from November to March. The weather is in between 22℃-35℃ with less rainfall.

Cambodia is known for its ancient religious sites, mainly temples and monasteries. Sites like Angor Wat and Ta Prohm are places every tourist wishes to visit in Cambodia. To explore such sites, the best option is to visit during the dry season with less rainfall.

For honeymooners, Cambodia is an affordable destination offering many romantic accommodations. The secluded islands, riverside resorts, charming beaches, ancient sites, and beautiful scenery make Cambodia an inviting choice for a romantic getaway. You can consider visiting these places in Cambodia:

• Battambang: You can visit Battambang during the dry season to enjoy the unique Bamboo Train.
• Koh Rong Samloem Island: You can go to this island and enjoy beaches like Sunset Beach, where the water is clear and blue.
• Mondulkiri: Visit Mondulkiri, where you can interact with elephants and trek in this province's lush atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia for Budget Traveller

Due to the heavy rain, June to September is considered the worst time to visit Cambodia. Although there is heavy rainfall, it is warm during this time, with temperatures ranging from 24℃-32℃.

The rainy season compels hotels and transport providers to lower fares and rates. Moreover, there will be fewer crowds as tourists rarely visit during this season. It is considered an off-season for tourism in Cambodia, but there is no shortage of activities you can do despite the rain. Thus, this is the best time for budget travellers to visit Cambodia.

Money Saving Tips

Here are some tips you can follow to save money while travelling to Siem Reap:

• Street Food: Enjoy the street food as you can taste Cambodian cuisine for cheap prices. You can have a hearty meal for INR 150-200.
• Reserve Beforehand: Book your flight 20-30 days before your scheduled trip and get the best deals.
  Research for discounts on any tourist spots before making plans.
• Learn to Bargain: Learn how to bargain for any purchase, as this is a common practice in Cambodia.
• Hostel Lodging: You can stay in a hostel in Cambodia and volunteer for some work to stay at a cheaper price.

For any travellers visiting Cambodia in any season, getting travel insurance is strongly recommended. The insurance typically covers unpredictable situations like flight cancellation, luggage loss or health emergencies. Thus, it makes your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Please compare policies and choose what is best for you when you purchase any insurance.